MAPUTO, Mozambique — With nearly 80% of the country’s population less than 35 years old, investing in Mozambique’s youthful and vibrant population will only reap positive results for the future. 

Putting youth at the heart of what we do, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, together with the Government of Mozambique, has empowered more than 163,000 young people to protect and promote their sexual and reproductive health and rights through the prevention of early pregnancy, child marriage, and gender-based violence, among other topics, through the multi-year Safeguard Young People programme, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Swiss Development Cooperation.

As part of the program, UNFPA recently supported the implementation of a National Strategy for Adolescent Health and School Health that strengthens the provision of sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people.

Youth also see the benefit of these life-saving interventions: “It is very beneficial to attend the youth-friendly health center because it helps both adolescent girls and boys to make the best decisions about their reproductive health,” shared Watalaia Hilário, 16.

To maintain the project’s momentum, the Government of Mozambique and UNFPA held its 9th Regional Meeting of the Steering Committee of the UNFPA Safeguard Young People (SYP) programme in Maputo, Mozambique on 22-23 March 2023. 

Bringing together donor representatives, Government officials, and UNFPA project focal points from across 12 East and Southern African countries enabled attendees to take part in concrete, inspiring and fruitful discussions on the policy and strategic guidance of the programme and 2023 plans. 

Youth-focused project visits also enabled the high-level delegation to interact with health providers, call center operators, and young people utilizing such services, while witnessing first-hand the realities and challenges faced by Mozambican adolescents and youth.

At 1º de Maio Health Centre, delegates visited youth-friendly health services, which offer free contraceptives, HIV testing and counseling, and education about sexual health. The health center also offers a mentorship program where youth are encouraged to take an active role in educating their communities about sexual and reproductive health and rights. advocates for sexual and reproductive health within their communities.

“By providing youth-to-youth mentoring, we gain the trust of adolescents because we ensure that they come to the health unit and realize the importance of their sexual and reproductive health,” shares Carla Modlane, a youth mentor.

Carla is one such mentor who offers advice, encouragement, and a listening ear to help young people navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Through programmes such as the Safeguard Young People programme, young people can become better informed, educated, empowered, and able to access the right services at the right time. By doing so, young people in Mozambique can better promote and protect their rights, agency, and autonomy over their bodies, lives, and future.